Happy Birthday Daniel

Hey Daniel- this post is for you... I know you read all my blog posts (as you should because they're so awesome), but this one is JUST FOR YOU (but if someone else is reading this, please continue!)!

You're 28 today!  Happy birthday.  Since I didn't really get you a present this year (unless taking you shopping for new clothes counts) here a little something for you!

Proud Dad!

I've been spending a lot more time with Logan recently (haha as if you didn't already know that).  I want you to know, that our son is amazing.  But it's even more than that.  He's amazing because you teach him things.  He's amazing because you spend time with him.  He's amazing because you love him.  He's amazing because he's like you.  

What did I tell you, just like you!

How is he like you, you ask?  He has your drive.  If he wants to do something- by George, he's going to do it!  And he's going to be the best at it.  He wants to do it perfectly (I blame you for him not walking yet- hasn't mastered it yet!), and he wants to succeed at all he does.  Just like his old man.  

Going down the slide, whether mom likes it or not!

He has your love of learning.  Since the day he was born he's been observing everything, and soaking up every bit of knowledge he can.  He's so inquisitive.  You can see this in the way that he points at everything and asks "That?"  Just like how you're always studying, learning, and asking yourself "What's that?  How can I apply it?"

And oldie but goodie! - Learning law at a young age!

He has your ability to light up a room.  He's funny.  He's charming.  He is the center of attention.  He is fun.  He loves to laugh.  He loves to have a good time.  And that's how you are.  That's why you're so dang easy to love (and so is Logan)!

Daddy's so fun!

Such a good story teller, just like Daddy!

Like you, Logan loves me.  Thanks for teaching him that.  You are the perfect example to our son about how to love.  You're patient with me.  You're caring and sincere.  You're affectionate and kind.  You have always loved me so completely, and I know Logan sees that and emulates it. 

Can you feel the love??

In so many other ways, Logan is amazing like you.  Thanks for being such a great father to him.  Thanks for being such a great husband to me.  You're the best!  Happy Birthday!

One last cute picture for the road.
You're so great you even let Logan drum on your head at the zoo!

5 Years

5 Years. Daniel and I have been married for 5 years.  5 wonderful years.  5 amazing years.  5 challenging years.  I say challenging because of the challenging things we have faced together.  Moving 3 times, law school applications, law school, living with parents, having a baby, bar prep, and so on and so forth.  But always together.  And I've learned a few things along the way.

A lot about Daniel.  Like how he likes to be called Daniel and not Dan.  Yes, I learned AFTER we were married.  Or how he likes more jelly, less peanut butter on his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Or how he coughs when he cleans his ears.  All things I learned about him after we were married.  

A lot about myself.  And I do mean A LOT.  Like how I have to have the thermostat exactly 67 degrees to sleep comfortably.  Or how I have to have the home I live in decorated and hate blank walls.  How I am surprisingly a good cook.  Or how I was born to be a mother.  And many others - things Daniel (and marriage in general) has taught me about myself.  

I have probably learned more about love these past 5 years than anything else.  

A lot about what love is NOT.   Love is not like in the movies.  It is not typically displayed in dramatic settings, or grand gestures.  Love is not a public thing. I have found that you typically build the foundation for a great love in the walls of your own home.  Love is not about gifts, surprises, or vacations.  While these things are fun and nice, and can at times strengthen love, I don't think these types of things are really what love is.  Love is not about comparisons.  And not everyone's love, relationship, and love story is the same.  Trying to compare your spouse or your relationship to others will only damage love.  

A lot about what love IS.  Love is fun.  Above all, love is fun.  I know I love my Daniel, because I have more fun with him than anyone else.  And we laugh, and act silly, and I love that.  Even when we are not doing anything, it's fun because we are together.  Love is work.  Not in the sense that it takes work to love each other (because it really doesn't!) but that love is displayed as work.  Daniel works hard to support our family, so I know he loves me.  I work hard to keep our house running and take care of Logan, so he knows I love him.  Love is work.  Love is the little things.  And I don't mean the little things like "bringing home flowers" or "writing poems".  These fall into the "gifts, surprises, or vacations" category, which are fun and nice, but not love.  I mean the REALLY little things.  Like when Daniel falls asleep on the couch, and I go wake him up so he can sleep in his own bed so he's not tired the next day.  Or when I yell to Daniel to bring me something from another room when I'm giving Logan a bath and he does it without complaining.  Maybe it's called common courtesy to some, but for Daniel and me - it's love.  

I was 20 when Daniel and I got married, and I didn't have a CLUE!  I really didn't.  But 5 years later, I can say I think I'm starting to understand a little piece about the person I married, the person I am, and our love.  I love him more today than I did yesterday.  I will love him more tomorrow.  Marrying him really was the best decision I have ever made.  Here's to many more years and many more lessons in love!